News and Stories

Excessive heat is forecast in California’s San Joaquin Valley over the next seven to ten days. Growing regions throughout the valley including Bakersfield, Fresno, and Kingsburg will reach up to 105 degrees by Wednesday, June 22. Temperatures are forecast to reach 109 degrees by next Monday, June 27.

Although the commodities grown in these regions flourish in warm climates, extremely high temperatures can disrupt normal growth cycles and promote heat-related defects. Growers will reduce harvesting hours over the next ten days due to the extreme working conditions. This will further reduce yields.

• Bell pepper supplies will be limited over the next two to three weeks
• Prices will continue to rise
• Potential heat-related issues include sunscalding and stip (dark, sunken spots)
• Citrus supplies should not be heavily impacted by this warm weather
• The San Joaquin Valley lemon season has ended; supplies are being grown on the coast of Southern California
• Potential loading delays may occur due to limited harvesting hours and longer cooling times once fruit arrives at packing sheds
• Grape crops are transitioning from Mexico to the San Joaquin Valley
• Limited production will begin in Arvin, California Friday, June 24
• Sustained high temperatures may slow production and reduce yields
• Expect softer texture and shortened shelf-life in stone fruit (nectarines, peaches, and plums) due to sustained high temperatures 

Markon will continue to update about prices, supply levels, and quality as more information becomes available.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

©2016 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.